By By NORMA LERNER / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – A man and wife team was put behind bars Friday morning in Cass County Circuit Court for cooking and using methamphetamine.
"It's a sad day we have to see you and your husband going to jail and prison," Cass County Circuit Judge Michael Dodge told Barbara Myrkle, 50, and Larry Myrkle, 50, both of Dowagiac.
The couple reside at 210 S. Paul St. Barbara Myrkle got 270 days jail for possession of methamphetamine and concurrent 180 days each for maintaining a drug house and possession of marijuana. Dodge told Mrs. Myrkle that it was difficult to say that she didn't have abuse problems.
"Let's be realistic. You have two previous convictions. You are going to jail today. Your past record with methamphetamine is worse than his. At least you are attempting to address it now," he said.
Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Mrs. Myrkle needs to be held accountable.
She needs to suffer the consequences and needs to be incarcerated.
Defense attorney Dale Blunier said she admits methamphetamine has ruined her life. "It's tragic," he said.
She knows she has to pay for it and wants to start life over.
Mrs. Myrkle said she was sorry and is attending an outreach program.
Larry Myrkle got 42 months to 20 years for operating and maintaining a methamphetamine laboratory and credit for time served of 182 days each for possession of methamphetamine and for possession of marijuana.
It was Nov. 29 when the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team investigated the Myrkle residence on a tip.
Officers discovered components of making methamphetamine and possessions of methamphetamine and marijuana, Dodge recounted. He said Mr. Myrkle admitting using it for several years. He said he started cooking it to save money instead of buying it. He said Mr. Myrkle has a prior sentence for failing to pay child support in 2003 and for possession of methamphetamine in 2005.
Dodge said he couldn't compare the two sentences since her guideline range didn't call for a serious prison term.
Mr. Myrkle is to pay $766 costs. Mrs. Myrkle is to pay $781.
Also going behind prison bars for three to five years was James Neal, 45, of Vandalia, for breaking into his neighbor's home on Wood Street on April 13. He took a wallet.
Fitz argued that Neal is a career criminal with his activities fueled by drugs. He said he is dangerous unless he changes.